Rice flowers
Rice and the four seasons in Japan
Rice fields
Water is important for the growth of rice fields.
Maintaining the rice field.
Water is very important for the growth of rice. Farmers visit their rice field by using their cars or bikes. They check the amount of water and wether there is enough for the rice or not, and also check on the growth of rice.
If the water is insuficiant , they adjust amount of water from a small pump hut or valve.
If the water is insuficiant , they adjust amount of water from a small pump hut or valve.
Rice flowers
Rice flowers are small white flowers. There are no petals, green hulls wrap 8 stamens and a pistil directly. When these hulls open for 10 or 20 minutes, white stamens and a pistil appear, the stamens scatter pollen and the pollen sticks over a pistil. When pollination is over, these green hulls close quickly. The process takes only about 2 hours.
Pollination needs gentle weather, and a light breeze. When typhoons come, they often cause problems. A strong wind or salty wind from the seashore can cause rice flowers to die.
The procedure of pollination is one of the most important key points for making rice.
Rice flowers are small white flowers. There are no petals, green hulls wrap 8 stamens and a pistil directly. When these hulls open for 10 or 20 minutes, white stamens and a pistil appear, the stamens scatter pollen and the pollen sticks over a pistil. When pollination is over, these green hulls close quickly. The process takes only about 2 hours.
Pollination needs gentle weather, and a light breeze. When typhoons come, they often cause problems. A strong wind or salty wind from the seashore can cause rice flowers to die.
The procedure of pollination is one of the most important key points for making rice.
Connected by nature.
Rice fields near Kurihara City in Miyagi prefecture.
Autumn Harvest
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Rice reaping 稲刈り
In the fall, the farmers harvest for the whole family. Traditionally harvesting the rice was done by the entre family or a number of workers. this often too a long time and was very difficult. In modern times farmers use machines so they don't need the help of their families and it is much faster. One person can harvest many rice fields in a day. |
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Heaven adobe Inekake(稲掛け) 稲掛けの天日干し
Harvested rice bundles (刈り取った稲を束にする) are quickly taken from the ground to prevent them getting damp. The rice is dried face down (穂を下に向けて乾燥させる). Ears of rice are hung on a tree (稲穂を木に掛ける) or bamboo frames to dry. |
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Rich harvest festival (五穀豊穣のお祭り)
After the harvest, the people give thanks and make offerings to the gods through many rice festivals and events. A traditional dance is performed by temple girls (巫女). This is called Mikomai (巫女舞). Small shrines (神輿) are carried around the local area accompanied by music or chanting. Horseback archery and traditional theatre also takes place. |
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Ways of cooking rice (新米ご飯の調理例)
Rice balls or Onigiri (おにぎり), are a common way to prepare rice. They are often eaten with pickles or seaweed. A traditional Japanese meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) consists of a bowl of rice, soup, vegetables and fish or meat. Sometimes meat, vegetables or seasonal flavourings are mixed in with the rice. At work or school people often eat lunch boxes or Bento (弁当), they are very convenient and healthy. Modern rice bento boxes are sometimes very creative. |
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The use of rice as an ingredient.
Rice flour is often used in Japanese cooking, for both traditional and modern dishes. for example: Japanese noodles Gyoza - A type of steamed of fried dumpling. Okonomiyaki - Rice flour batter mixed with meat and vegetables. Gratin Biscuits Cakes Rice crackers - A snack that comes in many varieties and flavours such as soy sauce, spice or suger. (Senbei, 煎餅) |
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The use of rice to make alcohol
Japanese rice wine is called sake. It is often drunk from traditional style glasses and clay cups. It is enjoyed on many occasion including celebrations. |